England women suffer last-play heartbreak against the Orchids

England women's team line-up to take on Papua New Guinea.

England hit back from 16-6 behind to level the scores, but the Orchids snatched their first Test win when stand-off Shirley Joe stepped through a tiring defence, the hooter sounding before the missed conversion attempt.

Buoyed by a 24-10 first Test victory in Goroka, the tourists made the perfect start at the national stadium in Port Moresby with a second-minute try from centre centre Tara-Jane Stanley, of Castleford Tigers, who then kicked a penalty to make it 6-0.

But the Orchids led 10-6 at the break through tries from Carol Humei and Belinda Gwasamum, plus a conversion by Erswin Kaiat and Roswita Kapo added a third touchdown two minutes into the second half as the lead was extended to 10 points.

Castleford's Sinead Peach in action for England against Papua New Guinea.

England rallied when Emily Rudge and Naomi Williams crossed and Stanley booted a conversion to level the scores, but the heat and humidity took its toll and a late error allowed Joe an opportunity to square the series. A biting allegation made by Rudge, England’s captain, was placed on report in the first half.

PNG Orchids: Schanubelt, Ravu, Gwassumum, Kaiat, Nanege, Joe, Malabag, Albert, Kapo, Paisoi, Humeu, Kaupa, Johns. Subs Emika, Awoi, Sabume, Monaei, Allan.

England Women: Beevers, Wilson, Williams, Stanley, Burke, Roche, Cunningham, Hoyle, Peach, Anderson, Rudge, Lacey, Marshall. Subs: Booth, Field, Renouf, Jones.

Referee: Chris Butler (Australia).